Manila:Malacañang has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to focus on their duty to enforce the law, setting aside any personal loyalty to their former chief, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. Dela Rosa is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration's drug war.
According to Philippines News agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized at a briefing that the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa should not be ignored due to his previous role as PNP chief or his personal connections with police officials. She reiterated that the police's mandate is to enforce the law and follow orders as per the constitution.
Castro highlighted that the existence of a valid arrest warrant means that police cannot decide whether or not to arrest Senator Dela Rosa simply because of his past position. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged that Dela Rosa's connections as a former PNP chief and Philippine Military Academy alumnus could complicate the manhunt.
Castro further stated that Remulla's observation should challenge the DILG leadership, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., and the entire police force. She expressed confidence in Nartatez, asserting that his primary focus should be his duty over personal friendships or alliances.
She called on police officials not to betray the Palace’s confidence in their ability to fulfill their mandate. When asked if President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had shown frustration over the prolonged operation, Castro mentioned that he has not expressed dissatisfaction as long as law enforcement authorities continue performing their duties.
Castro warned that the real problem would arise if it were proven that police themselves were sheltering Dela Rosa to prevent his arrest. The ICC issued an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa under seal on Nov. 6, 2025, and unsealed it on May 11, 2026. Dela Rosa served as PNP chief from July 2016 to April 2018, during the period covered by the ICC allegations. The DILG announced a PHP50-million reward for Dela Rosa's capture on Oct. 26 and said a dedicated task force had been organized to locate and arrest him.
